GITEGA, November 19th (ABP) – The Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with international organizations UNFPA and UN Women, organized in Gitega, a three-day workshop for young leaders from Gitega (political capital and center of Burundi) and Bujumbura city on the theme: “Youth for generation equality and the demographic dividend in Burundi,” a check by ABP revealed.
The coordination and planning officer at UN Women Burundi, Cynthia Kimana, stressed that this workshop is not only a training opportunity, but also a call to action because young people are at the heart of Burundi’s development.
According to Kimana, gender equality is essential for a prosperous future, where everyone can contribute without being limited by gender barriers. This normative framework supports the fight against gender-based violence and promotes a culture of respect and equity.
Gender equality must translate into concrete, visible and tangible actions, thus becoming a key driver for the development of Burundi, one of the youngest countries in Africa. The country faces challenges for its development, in particular, gender equality and youth empowerment emerge as strategic priorities for a more prosperous future, Kimana stressed.
The permanent secretary at the ministry in charge of youth, Séverin Mbarubukeye said that young people are a connected, inspired and determined generation and are considered the hope and strength to meet the greatest challenges of this time.
Participants in this training said that the integration of women in the peace and security sector remains insufficient while, according to Kimana, their inclusion can bring different and innovative perspectives in decision-making processes in matters of peace and security.
“Women play an essential role in preserving and promoting peace, particularly through their local initiatives of mediation and conflict prevention,” she explained.
It was suggested, during the work of the workshop, to include young people in all levels of governance in Burundi, in order to revitalize and promote sustainable development, stressed the chairperson of the national youth council in Burundi. He indicated that integrating young people into institutions will allow Burundi to have a committed, responsible youth, capable of contributing to long-term development, particularly in the implementation of the 2040-2060 vision.
The young people, who participated in the work of the workshop, indicated that they will raise awareness among others about the knowledge acquired during the three days, in order to contribute together to the sustainable development of the country and the promotion of gender equality.